The Derby Daredevils are back and they are fiercer than ever! This time around, we follow Shelly, the “Bomb-shell,” a rambunctious, energetic, and artistically talented roller derby extraordinaire.
With the roller derby action getting more competitive as the Derby Daredevils become part of the official junior roller derby league and other teams come to visit for an official tournament, each of the girls is looking to improve the team’s overall performance – they need to be better, faster, stronger, and win that trophy!
And it seems that everyone knows their place and a has designated task, whether it’s Tomoko’s epic blocking skills or Kenzie’s new game strategies. Shelly ends up asking herself what she brings to the team. What makes her stand out? How does she contribute to the girls becoming the best team they could possibly be?
Initially, Shelly struggles to find something to excel at and makes some poor choices that almost causes the Derby Daredevils to be disqualified from the competition. And yet, in the end, with the help of her teammates and the support of her family, Shelly finds a balance between being a team player and being proud of her own achievements.
I think I said this in my review of Rosewater’s debut of the Derby Daredevils, but this is just such a wholesome series. From the incredible and diverse cast of characters to the depictions of female friendships all while competing against other teams, this series just always manages to make me smile with its wholesome and supportive vibes. Yes, the girls sometimes don’t see eye to eye; yes, there’s sometimes conflict but they work through it and they all become stronger together. No one gets left behind. They’re part of a team but their value as an individual is never diminished and it’s ultimately what makes them such a force to be reckoned with and a delight to read about.
Rosewater manages to show that even if you’re part of a team, you’re still valid on your own and just because you haven’t found the ‘one thing’ you’re great at yet, doesn’t mean you don’t contribute just as much as others to the team. Showcasing that enthusiasm, moral support, and encouragement is just as important as knowing how to roll fast or think quick, Shelly is sure to make young readers feel empowered and ready to take on the world by storm.
Shoutout to Rosewater for the casual queer rep as well; the introduction of a non-binary side character and Kenzie’s ongoing crush on Bree made my heart flutter!
And the illustrations. Oh, the illustrations. I am just obsessed with Sophie Escabasse’s artistic style! She just knows how to convey emotions from slumping shoulders to confident strides on wheels perfectly. Every character just jumps off the page and makes the reading experience that much more entertaining.
Heartfelt, optimistic, and all about supporting your friends, Shelly Struggles to Shine shines (see what I did there?) just as brightly as its predecessor and has my fingers itching for the next instalment!
Shelly Struggles to Shine is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 15th 2020.
Will you be picking up Shelly Struggles to Shine? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Book #2 in this highly illustrated middle-grade series explores what it means to be a team player
Now part of the official junior roller derby league, the Derby Daredevils are ready to compete in their first tournament. Kenzie writes new game plays. Bree works on her speed. Tomoko sharpens her blocking skills. And Jules fearlessly hip checks everyone in sight. But Shelly isn’t sure what she’s best at. In hopes of taking home the tournament’s Star Skater award, Shelly designs extra-special gear for the Daredevils. But not everything works as well as Shelly imagined, and she can’t get the team on board. Without the gear, how will Shelly shine on the track? With high-energy illustrations from Sophie Escabasse and lots of roller derby action, Book #2 in the series explores individuality while hitting home what it really means to be part of a team.
